- CraftKnitting
- US abbreviationyo
- UK abbreviationyfwd / yrn
- TypeMaking it wider or narrower
What is yarn over?
Wrapping the yarn over the needle to make a new stitch with a small hole under it. It adds a stitch, and it is what lace knitting is built on.
In a pattern you will see it written as yo in US patterns, yfwd / yrn in UK patterns.
US and UK names. US patterns write yo. UK patterns write yfwd / yrn. Same technique, different name.
How to do it, step by step
- Bring the yarn to the front between the needles.
- Knit the next stitch: the yarn goes over the needle and makes a new loop.
- On the next row, work that loop like any stitch. It leaves a small hole on purpose.
The mistake to watch for
Forgetting the yo on the next row loses a stitch. Count after lace rows.
If you are left-handed
Most left-handed knitters knit the usual way, since both hands work. If you prefer, you can knit mirrored: stitches move from the right needle to the left. Swap "left" and "right" in the steps.
Related stitches
Questions
What is yarn over called in UK patterns?
In UK patterns it is written yfwd / yrn. In US patterns it is yo. Check near the top of a pattern to see which terms it uses.
What is the most common mistake with yarn over?
Forgetting the yo on the next row loses a stitch. Count after lace rows.
Keep count with Crochet Counter
The app has this stitch and 31 more in its stitch dictionary, in US or UK terms, with a row counter for every project. The core app is free, has no ads and needs no account. Pro is optional.
